OPD officer resigns after Internal Affairs investigation

Published: Friday, August 16, 2013 at 8:43 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 16, 2013 at 8:43 a.m.

An Ocala police officer has resigned after being accused of harassing a female nurse while working an off-duty security detail at Ocala Regional Medical Center.

The woman, whose name was not provided, said that on two occasions this year Officer Michael Phillips followed her, made sexual innuendos and touched her.

Phillips, 41, denied the accusations. Nevertheless, an Internal Affairs investigation found he had violated department rules regarding harassment, conduct unbecoming an officer and unsatisfactory actions by an officer.

The woman said the harassment happened on March 21 and May 25. She reported the problems to her supervisor.

She said Phillips frequently followed her around while she was on duty and at times stood very close to her. On several occasions, the woman said, he attempted to talk with her, although she told him numerous times to leave her alone.

Investigators said Phillips' behavior was witnessed by co-workers and even the woman's boyfriend.

Phillips said he made small talk with the staff, so it might have appeared he was following her, according to the Internal Affairs report.

As for the conduct unbecoming charge: The woman said that, in an effort to get away from Phillips, she took a laptop into the trauma room, only to find him already in there.

Another employee confirmed the woman's account.

Investigators said Phillips denied that accusation as well, saying he had no reason to go in the trauma room.

The report alleges that Phillips' behavior affected the woman's job performance and that a supervisor had to be called. Phillips was relieved of his post and someone on normal patrol duty was sent to ORMC.

In his resignation letter, Phillips thanked the chief for the opportunities he had received working for the agency and said it was with deep regret that he had to resign.

Phillips had been with the department since December 2008, according to personnel records. His annual salary was $34,980.03.

He declined comment to the Star-Banner.

Phillips did not have any prior disciplinary actions against him and had one commendation for helping a woman in distress when a relative died in October 2011.

<p>An Ocala police officer has resigned after being accused of harassing a female nurse while working an off-duty security detail at Ocala Regional Medical Center.</p><p>The woman, whose name was not provided, said that on two occasions this year Officer Michael Phillips followed her, made sexual innuendos and touched her.</p><p>Phillips, 41, denied the accusations. Nevertheless, an Internal Affairs investigation found he had violated department rules regarding harassment, conduct unbecoming an officer and unsatisfactory actions by an officer.</p><p>The woman said the harassment happened on March 21 and May 25. She reported the problems to her supervisor.</p><p>She said Phillips frequently followed her around while she was on duty and at times stood very close to her. On several occasions, the woman said, he attempted to talk with her, although she told him numerous times to leave her alone.</p><p>Investigators said Phillips' behavior was witnessed by co-workers and even the woman's boyfriend.</p><p>Phillips said he made small talk with the staff, so it might have appeared he was following her, according to the Internal Affairs report.</p><p>As for the conduct unbecoming charge: The woman said that, in an effort to get away from Phillips, she took a laptop into the trauma room, only to find him already in there.</p><p>Another employee confirmed the woman's account.</p><p>Investigators said Phillips denied that accusation as well, saying he had no reason to go in the trauma room.</p><p>The report alleges that Phillips' behavior affected the woman's job performance and that a supervisor had to be called. Phillips was relieved of his post and someone on normal patrol duty was sent to ORMC.</p><p>In his resignation letter, Phillips thanked the chief for the opportunities he had received working for the agency and said it was with deep regret that he had to resign.</p><p>Phillips had been with the department since December 2008, according to personnel records. His annual salary was $34,980.03.</p><p>He declined comment to the Star-Banner.</p><p>Phillips did not have any prior disciplinary actions against him and had one commendation for helping a woman in distress when a relative died in October 2011.</p>